Real Estate News
T R I A N G L E
home design
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“I think we will start to see more long-term renters and people choosing to rent well into adulthood thanks to the flexibility, luxury and ease this lifestyle offers..”
dedicated to showcasing the triangle’s distinctive homes
– Tabitha Branthoover, Adara Alexander Place
Here comes the boom Apartment complexes are proliferating the Triangle landscape, bringing convenience and luxury - story on page 4
real estate news What’s new p2
design instyle Before you move p8
straight talk Lazy headlines p10
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE NEWS & OBSERVER . SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2019
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|real estate news
what’s new? compiled by Whitney Berongi
Summer Sales Event
THE AIA TRIANGLE TOUR OF RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE ANNOUNCES THE 2019 TOUR AND CURATED JURY The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Triangle Section recently announced the curated jury selected to review the homes that have been submitted by AIA member architects. The self-guided tour showcases architectdesigned homes throughout the 10-county Triangle region and will take place October 26-27. The annual ticketed event fosters increased public awareness and accessibility to architecture with an in-depth look at the area’s most innovative residential design. Four jurors have been selected for the tour. Amy Connor Murphy from ACM Design in Asheville, N.C., has been practicing architecture in North Carolina for nearly 25 years. Murphy decided to open her own boutique architectural firm, ACM Design, in Asheville in 2004. The firm specializes in custom residential projects focused on integrated home design, including architecture, interiors and outdoor living design. Doug Bothner has helped lead Ziger|Snead Architects in Baltimore, Md., for 18 years, becoming partner in 2015. His residential work has received multiple design awards and appeared in Dwell Magazine and Wallpaper, among others. Greg Paul moved to Raleigh in 1985 with his wife Mary Hart-Paul for her post graduate work. Four years later Paul launched Greg Paul Builders (“GPB”), building on relationships with several of his wife’s architecture professors. Since opening, GPB has completed over 70 architect-designed custom houses, along with hundreds of renovations, including dozens of historic restorations. Kevin Kennedy has been practicing architecture and design for over 25 years. He formed Cluck Design Collaborative in Charlotte N.C., in 2004, and his work has been published and has received numerous design awards. Kennedy is a licensed architect in several states and has been a guest professor at UNCC. For more information on the tour, visit aiatriangle.org.
Call For Details
Email real estate news to TriangleHomeDesign@newsobserver.com. T R I A N G L E
home design Editor
Christina Darnell
Coordinator/Designer
Melissa Kennelly
Creative Strategy Buck Brice
Real Estate Marketing Consultant
Katina Faulkner, kfaulkner@newsobserver.com 919-836-5999
Advertising Sales Manager Becky Halliday, 925-382-6594
Section published by The News & Observer • 421 Fayetteville St. Suite 104 Raleigh, NC 27601. Editorial material in this section is the responsibility of the Observer Content Studio, 704-358-5185. It did not involve the news staff of The Observer.
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Is there a neighborhood you’d like to see featured? Do you know of a new design trend on the rise? Did you use one of our ideas for your own home or home purchase?
We’d love to hear from you.
TriangleHomeDesign@newsobserver.com
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|apartment living DID YOU KNOW? Raleigh’s News & Observer reported that more than 13,000 apartment units are expected to be built by 2020 to provide housing for all of the transplants drawn to the area for employment opportunities.
by Julie Cooper
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Hummingbird Head to this Raleigh gathering spot tucked away inside a refurbished warehouse space just off downtown with a group of friends to enjoy share plates and creative craft cocktails. hummingbirdraleigh.com
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William B. Umstead State Park Spend the day forest bathing at this 5,000-plus-acre refuge that boasts an extensive network of trailheads and three manmade lakes. ncparks.gov
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Historic City Market Peruse the charming cobblestone streets of this open-air shoppingand-dining market located in the heart of downtown Raleigh for a taste of the city’s unique flavor. historiccitymarket.com
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hanks to a surge in employment opportunities and the high quality of life it offers, the Triangle is attracting people from all over the globe. Despite low interest rates, some home seekers are turning away from the “forever” home in favor of a “for-right-now” home, creating an urban apartment boom across the Triangle. “We have found that people choose to rent an apartment home because of the flexibility it offers,” says Tabitha Branthoover with Adara Alexander Place. “You are not required to commit to an area, a neighborhood or the responsibility of owning a home. This is especially ideal for those in careers that require you to move often.” Beyond commitment issues, Branthoover says apartment living can afford a lifestyle that many homebuyers only dream of. “Living in an apartment provides certain luxuries many homebuyers cannot afford,” she says. “Adara Alexander Place, for example, offers use of an in-ground, saltwater pool, a movie theater and business center, elevator access, a modern clubhouse with billiards table and a 24-hour fitness studio. You also receive an onsite team to serve you, provide upkeep to the property and amenities, and take care of maintenance issues. It helps make your time at home more enjoy-
able and hassle free.” Many Triangle-area apartments are also located in buzzy, walkable areas, which is a huge draw. “Adara Alexander Place is tucked away in the Brier Creek area, which means we are only minutes from shopping, restaurants, fitness clubs, Umstead State Park, the airport and Research Triangle Park,” says Branthoover. “Plus, we’re close to I-40 and I-540, making it an easy commute to downtown Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill and beyond.” Jessica Walker with Better Homes & Gardens Go Realty says areas like Cameron Village, North Hills, NC State Campus, University Park and Olde Raleigh are also desirable with apartment seekers. “Location is everything for both buyers and renters,” she says. “These areas offer a desirable lifestyle with things like dining, shopping and socializing right in their backyards, making it easier for those new to the area to make friends and acclimate to a new city.” Besides a stellar location, Walker says apartment seekers also have a lengthy list of “must haves.” “They’re often looking for newer or remodeled apartments that offer ‘roommate-friendly’ floor plans, open-concept living areas and plenty of room for storage and pets,” she says. “Energy-efficient buildings are definitely a plus, as are
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE NEWS & OBSERVER . SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2019
apartments offering state-of-the-art fitness centers, resort-style saltwater pools, community areas with a grill, sundeck, coffee bars and places to host small gatherings. And, luckily, the Triangle doesn’t have a shortage of these.” The Triangle apartment boom is rumbling on with reports of new development projects taking way on the land along the Durham-Orange Light Rail project. “The Witherspoon Apartments are taking advantage of prime Light Rail land and will feature a mix of apartments and retail space,” says Walker. “And, up the road in south Durham, a mixed-use development with apartments, office and retail space is also going in called University Hill. It’s in a great spot close to shopping and employment opportunities.” Thanks to the Triangle’s tremendous growth, the apartment industry is flourishing. “Adara Alexander Place just finished construction in February 2019, and we are already over 80-percent occupied,” says Branthoover. “With a large number of people moving into the Raleigh area, the entire housing industry is very successful right now. And, I think we will start to see more longterm renters and people choosing to rent well into adulthood thanks to the flexibility, luxury and ease this lifestyle offers.”
apartment living| Adara Alexander Place, 7610 Aura Loop #101, Raleigh, NC, 27617 Rent: $1,390 to $1,765 Contact: 919-294-8111 Enjoy the upscale and inviting atmosphere of this new community, located in Raleigh. The complex offers beautiful one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments infused with style and modern convenience and many amenities such as our relaxing saltwater pool, outdoor kitchen with lounging areas, outdoor gaming with bocce ball and on-site dog park.
SkyHouse Raleigh, 308 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601 Rent: $1,430 to $2,430 Contact: 919-241-5030 Conveniently located in the center of downtown, SkyHouse Raleigh is surrounded by boutiques, markets, shops and restaurants, all within a quick walk—a true cafe lifestyle outside your door. Perfect location for those seeking a modern residence in a thriving urban community. Choose from studios, and one-, two- or three bedroom rentals, all with breathtaking skyline views. Entertain in the spacious clubroom, and lounge poolside on the rooftop with a wide array of amenities available.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE NEWS & OBSERVER . SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2019
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|apartment living St. Mary’s Square Apartments, 600 St. Mary’s Street, Raleigh, NC, 27605 Rent: $1,180 to $1,920 Contact: 984-833-4667 St. Mary’s Square Apartments in bustling Glenwood South mixes high-end finishes, timeless elegance and convenience to create the perfect home base for any city dweller. The studios and two-bedroom apartments boast generous floor plans, awe-inspiring interiors, and mesmerizing views. Features include expansive living areas, epicurean kitchens with stainless steel appliances and built-in wine racks, and covered or wrap-around balconies and in-unit washer/dryers. Amenities include a courtyard and pet-grooming salon.
The Lex at Brier Creek, 200 Wind River Pkwy, Morrisville, NC 27560 Rent: $974 to $1,309 Contact: 984-223-5731 Home is more than where you live, it’s where you thrive. At The Lex at Brier Creek Apartments, you’ll find everything you need to prosper. Situated conveniently in Brier Creek and close to Research Triangle Park (RTP), The Lex at Brier Creek offers the ideal place to relax after a long day’s work. Here you’ll relish the tranquility of whispering trees and a peaceful nature trail steps from your front door.
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE NEWS & OBSERVER . SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2019
apartment living| Lantower Weston Corners, 6000 Elevate Circle, Cary, NC, 27513 Rent: $1,150 to $2,109 Contact: Call 919-377-8153 for more information Lantower Weston Corners is a new, highend apartment community located in Cary. Situated near the Triangle and tech corridor, you’ll find an abundance of shopping, restaurants and more. Enjoy everything you need in one place, including amenities, like a pool with sundeck and outdoor kitchen, fitness center with yoga room, a dog spa, sky terrace, massage room, conference room with WiFi lounge, game room, outdoor courtyards, direct greenway access and more.
The Apartments at Oberlin Court, 1009 Wade Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27605 Rent: $1,168 to $2,450 Contact: 919-755-3665 Just minutes from downtown Raleigh, this is the ideal location and a chance to call it home. Enjoy all Oberlin Court has to offer—watch a movie in the theater or relax poolside, enjoy grilling at one of three courtyards or play pool at one of two clubhouses. Take in the sites from our rooftop terrace, relax in the zen garden and sauna, or work out at the 24-hour fitness center. At Oberlin Court you will get more than you expected but everything you deserve.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE NEWS & OBSERVER . SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2019
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|design instyle
Home office units by Ballard Design provide both open and closed storage solutions. The Bourdonnais bookcases handle books, files and other office supplies / ballarddesigns.com
Before you move Solutions for the storage-impaired homeowners by Vicki Payne
W
hen I ask my clients what they don’t like about their homes, I often receive one of two responses. One, they need more storage space. Or
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two, they have too much space and want to downsize. Surprisingly, both problems have similar solutions. For those needing more space, the key
is deleting, editing and identifying storage solutions. If you’re trading in your big house for a smaller home or condo, your need to delete and find creative storage
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE NEWS & OBSERVER . SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2019
solutions is even greater. There are two types of storage solutions: open and closed. Closed storage is most easily obtained by purchasing free
Turn an unused room into your dream closet / ballarddesigns.com
standing cabinets, armoires, trunks, baskets and other containers that conceal the contents. The secret to successfully integrating closed storage into your home’s décor is the same as buying any piece of furniture—it needs to provide the intended purpose while matching your home’s décor. Open shelving, such as bookcases, are visual storage. Don’t think of them as just a place to display accessories. Incorporate what you need to store with well edited accessories. For example, in an office, choose a color theme and coordinate baskets and boxes to hold smaller, utilitarian objects. If you need file storage, purchase matching file holders and jackets. Something as small as a footstool or bench can provide a perch for your purse, jacket or the daily mail. If the bench is tall enough, find a beautiful basket that can slide under the bench for additional storage. Wall shelving is being used throughout the home, especially in kitchens, to provide additional storage and display prized dishes, cutting boards, sauce pans and glassware. You can apply this same idea in a hallway or bedroom. Create a wall display using matching shelf brackets and shelves. We all have clothing items that we love and would look great displayed in an open closet. As with any open storage, think about color and interesting display containers such as silver bowls for sunglasses, necklaces and earrings. Use matching wooden hangers for shirts,
dresses and slacks. Just taking a few select items out of your closet and displaying in this fashion can unclutter existing storage spaces. For those who want to downsize but are accustomed to big walk-in closets, consider taking that third bedroom in your new condo or smaller home and turn it into a dressing room. One guest room is plenty. If you have more than one overnight guest, Charlotte is full of nice hotels. You can have a custom closet built in this room to house all your clothing items. Add a chair or oversized ottoman so you can relax and enjoy your fashion investment. When you see all your clothes and accessories, you’re more likely to use them and stop wearing the same three or four outfits. Whether you’re downsizing or your family is growing, coat closets are always at a premium. A good remedy is a freestanding coat rack. Ballard Design’s Niles double coat rack can provide ample storage for eight to 10 jackets, hats and boots and still look stylish. At first blush, purchasing closed or open shelving may seem expensive, but compared with moving or buying a toolarge house when downsizing, it is the most affordable solution.
Vicki Payne Donatelli is an interior designer, project coordinator and popular speaker for renovation and new construction projects. She is the host of the national PBS series “For Your Home.” Visit her blog at ForYourHome.com.
Organize your foyer with a free-standing coat rack / ballarddesigns.com
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE NEWS & OBSERVER . SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2019
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|straight talk
Lazy headlines Truly helpful tips don’t need to use numbers as clickbait by Allen Norwood
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oday, a rant about 1 pet peeve: Headlines that start with numbers on online home stories. Some days, 6 out of 10 on the sites I visit start with numbers. You know: “10 affordable spring renovation projects.” Or, “11 tips for pricing your home so it sells for top dollar.” Here’s a sampling of more I found in just 4 minutes: “5 incredibly easy steps to sprucing up your front door in one day”; “7 times when you’re smart not to pay off a mortgage early”; “10 surprising things homeowners can be fined for”; “11 features that will make your home sell faster.” “How safe is your home? 12 spots to double check.” (See what they did there? They tricked you into thinking it wouldn’t be a number headline—then sprung their trap.)
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“13 exotic ideas to transform a basic backyard”; “18 things you should never do to your lawn”; “21 tips for turning your house into a rental property.” By my count—and I could be wrong, because all those numbers make my head spin—that’s 118 reasons not to click on a headline that relies on a number. It’s not just home-related stories, of course. It’s true all across the internet. It’s lazy to use all those numbers, but it works. Algorithms have taught headline writers we can’t resist clicking on numbers. And, because we’re sheep being herded through numbered gates, we’ll keep clicking even though the stories don’t deliver anything we didn’t already know. Nothing to tip No. 3? Well, let’s click on No. 4! Not helpful? Maybe No. 5
will be different… We’re like Charlie Brown contemplating that stupid football. We know Lucy is going to snatch it away, but we kick at it anyway. Or click, in this case. OK, that’s enough. Another reason the numbers set me off is that the stories mostly aren’t about things that would really improve our lives. Also, if those writers actually had helpful tips, they wouldn’t need to clutter up the stories with umpteen other tips. A single one would do. Here’s what I’d like to see: “1 way to get rid of that odor after you fry fish, before the company arrives.” “1 never-fail trick to ban carpenter bees without tearing down the deck.” “1 tactic to block robocalls.” (I am not making this up: I went online to add our number to the no-call registry, because
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we get more than a dozen a day. I discovered that our number has been on the registry since 2007.) “1 solution to keep crepe myrtle trees from dropping seed pods on the front porch, so you can take up that old beach towel on the floor inside the front door that everybody uses to wipe their feet.” “1 way to keep the ice dispenser on the refrigerator from slinging cubes all the way across the kitchen, where you’re sure to step on them with bare feet.” Those would be some truly helpful home stories. If I had the answers to those vexing issues, I’d sure share them—without tricking them up with numbers.
Allen Norwood: homeinfo@charter.net
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